Manchester United have chosen to make a significant managerial change during the November international break, a decision driven by a difficult start to the current season. The Red Devils are reportedly finalizing a deal to hire Mauricio Pochettino, who recently guided the United States men's national team at the 2026 World Cup. Although Pochettino just signed a new contract with the American federation, his agreement includes a ten million dollar release clause. The Argentine coach has previously expressed a strong desire to return to the English Premier League, having previously managed Southampton, Tottenham, and Chelsea before his move to the United States.
In recent weeks, the club explored multiple candidates before settling on their preferred choice. This review of available talent excludes Pep Guardiola, who left Manchester City before the summer of 2026 to take a break from the game. Despite receiving a concrete offer to manage the Italian national team, Guardiola opted to honor his commitment to rest. Additionally, his close relationship with Manchester City's ownership made him an unlikely candidate for the United board.
Among the other high-profile coaches currently without a job, Gareth Southgate stands out as a notable name. The former England manager stepped down from his international role to return to club football but has not yet found a new position. While United had previously shown interest in him, they did not make a concrete approach in recent weeks. Southgate joins other national team coaches, such as former France manager Didier Deschamps, in facing the challenge of securing a new club role in the short term.
Thomas Frank, the former Tottenham and Brentford manager, was also a candidate for the United job. However, the situation has changed as Frank is now in talks to become the new manager of Crystal Palace. The Eagles have had a disappointing start to their Premier League season and currently sit at the bottom of the standings, just two points behind Manchester United.
Eddie Howe, who left Newcastle United in the summer, was another name on the board's list. Despite being under contract with Newcastle, any club wishing to appoint him would need to pay a release clause. Although Howe has extensive Premier League experience, United did not view him as the primary replacement. He is expected to wait until the summer to decide on his next career move.
Julian Nagelsmann is considered an attractive option for the market. The former German national team coach left his role after the 2026 World Cup, where Germany was eliminated by Paraguay in the round of 32. Having previously managed RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, Nagelsmann is likely to seek a move to a new league. The Premier League is seen as a potential destination, though he may wait for a job to become available in the summer as current top clubs appear stable.
Antonio Conte is ranked as the top available coach in this analysis. The Italian manager is awaiting the right opportunity after winning the Scudetto with Napoli in his first season, a success that replicated his earlier titles with Juventus and Inter. Reports suggest Conte is keen on another Premier League stint after his time at Chelsea and Tottenham, though he has not ruled out other clubs. United did not contact his camp, as they did not want to hire him to replace Michael Carrick. Conte is often viewed as a short-term appointment, having never spent more than three years at a single club in his managerial career.
